"I have no sympathy for anyone who would assassinate a U.S. ambassador. But I have even less sympathy for filmmakers who spread hatred..."

Really?! Is expressing one's right to free speech – as vulgar, offensive and hateful as that may be – really worse than the assassination of a U.S. ambassador?

What's worse, this movie was not even the impetus for the violence, but rather an excuse. The attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi was planned for days, if not weeks, ahead of time. How clever of the Muslims to think they could pin their "spontaneous" outrage on some bush-league film that is truly irrelevant.

It seems we've gotten so accustomed to Islamist violence that we're willing to accept it as a matter of course. This is a dumbing down of the standards, refusing to hold all humanity to the basic standards of decency. It's what Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson calls "a soft bigotry of low expectations."

A decade ago, Robert Fisk, the London Independent's Mideast correspondent for 30 years, was beaten to a pulp by Taliban supporters in Afghanistan. Rather than issue a harsh denunciation, he sided with the attackers:

"I couldn't blame them for what they were doing. I would have done just the same to Robert Fisk. Or any other Westerner I could find."

Once we start making excuses – justifying and accepting Islamist violence – we're falling into a dangerous trap. During World War II, when dictatorial madmen set out to conquer the world, the threat was so clear that no one had to analyze it or philosophize. Everyone knew that life and liberty was on the line, and they joined the cause – even journalists. As a pioneer of American media, Edward R. Murrow, said: "On some stories, there is no other side."

In our generation, as well, with radical Islam, the entire basis of our free society is being threatened. One week after the 9-11 attacks, Dan Rather declared: "[I'm] just one American, wherever [the president] wants me to line up, just tell me where. And he'll make the call."

The attacks in Benghazi occurred on September 11. If we are to take any lesson from that tragic day, it is fathoming what losing this war means. Radical Islam wants the West neutered and submissive.

There is no question that we must categorically condemn this senseless film. But we also need to get straight where the problem truly lies. Otherwise the free world is in for serious trouble.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons grew up trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York, enjoying summers as a tour guide at Niagara Falls. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the co-founder of Aish.com, and founder of the Torah study site, JewishPathways.com. He is also the co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive treatment of media bias against Israel (2012). He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 93

(65)
Ben doulton,
November 2, 2012 7:00 PM

This atrocity was not about the Muhammad film - it was jihad

From information coming to light, it seems that the attack on the American embasy in Benghazi was not in response to the Muhammad film, as Hilary Clinton initially suggested. It now seems that this atrocity was purely and simply just another jihadist attack to rub salt into the wounds of the US on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. When will the US learn that it is not fighting a 'war on terror', as George W Bush so erroneously claimed, but a war against Islam. America is still asleep at the wheel, while the jihadist juggernaut keeps rolling on. It is high time some very difficult decisions were made about protecting an ideology, which its own documents state, is attempting to destroy its host from within.

(64)
R,
September 27, 2012 11:40 AM

Into Perspective

We need to keep things in perspective: in a 75 million strong muslim populated country like Iran, under harsh dictatorial dictatoship, 5,000 go out to demontstrate. The story is similar in many other countries. Are they representative? How do we feel if some Jews - and it has occurred - make a shameful demonstration and the whole world thinks its representative? I am hardly a friend of islamists, but I know too many muslims at work etc who are perfectly normal, not antisemitic people. You have those and you have others. As to the film maker being Israeli, the newest joke is that he and hte main actor was German, as an excuse to plot attacks in Germany. We need to differentiate: like it or not, ten of the 11 peple murdered by the NSU nazi terrorcell in Germany were Muslim, none Jewish - if they were the Jewish world would be interested - so one needs to be careful as not to light the flame of blatant hatred and play into the hands ot the extreme right. Le Pens party is now advocating kippah ban - still think they are good just coz they hate muslims in toto? PErhaps we should ignore the demonstrators - as they deserve not the attention they are getting, being unrepresentative and often organised by parties or bussed in by governments.

(63)
Judith Jensen,
September 24, 2012 8:43 PM

The nature of 1st Amendment rights

I have a question for those who know Constitutional law. If shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater is illegal, and is not considered free speech; and if saying one plans to assassinate the President of the U.S. is illegal, and is not free speech; then how is sending out on the Internet an inflammatory video, clearly known through experience to likely incite violence, protected speech?

Ethan,
October 2, 2012 6:07 PM

You didn't make them do anything. Shouting "Fire!" tell people that they are in danger regardless of if they actually are, and they are justified in reacting to preserve their own lives. Speech is just transfer of information; if you point a gun at someone, the light coming off of the gun tells the person he/she is in danger. These Islamists weren't tricked into rioting (I have doubts that it was the video that even caused it in the first place).
And you are off of your rocker if you think America respects the Constitution. I should be able to say I want to kill the President if I want, and there's nothing wrong with Federal Agencies keeping an eye on me without violating my rights.

Anonymous,
October 24, 2012 7:06 AM

Missing the point

Judith, your question, though technically valid, misses the entire point of the article.
EVEN if the kind of speech in the video is not protected speech, EVEN if it is not free speech, EVEN if it was illegal and the maker of the movie ought to go to jail under Constitutional Law, that does not take away from the point of the article one iota. "Once we start making excuses – justifying and accepting Islamist violence – we're falling into a dangerous trap."

(62)
Gordon,
September 22, 2012 4:27 PM

Well, when your culture is one of violence and hate what would you expect?

(61)
In the USA,
September 22, 2012 3:29 PM

They are NOT "Film Riots"

The film is pretty stupid. Thought it was a spoof at first. It's about a "grade D or F" movie if there were such a rating. What's going on in the Middle East is not about the film per se, it is that Obama is creating "a crescent" of support against Israel, fueled by the Moslem Brotherhood, Hamas, and Hezbollah, along with AQ and other smaller bands. The administration is trying to use the phony film to engender support for shariah-compliant policy. The tactic is to show how "terribly" the Moslems have been treated, and therefore, "special" consideration with the protection of law, will be afforded them in particular. It is 100% contrary to the First Amendment. That said, there are at a minimum 20,000 jihadi operatives in the US, which amounts to more than 100 3-man cells per state, waiting. They come in through the porous border in the south, which the administration refuses to make secure. The majority of these fighters are from Iran, and many are training in Mexico with the gang--drug cartels and human traffickers there. Full-scale Mexican camps run by the gangs are inside the US border, equipped with high tech, communications, weapons. Follow the money. Drugs, Human Trafficking, Jihad are big money. The Moslem Brotherhood is very similar to organized crime syndicates. This is NOT about the film. The attack in Libya was planned, funded, trained for, coordinated, a long time ago. What is happening is a stealth war across the world as the Moslem Brotherhood, et al, attempt to establish a world caliphate under their direct or even indirect control. They use the fundamentalists for their purposes as well as the naive supporters that willingly protect them in one way or another. The story behind the truth about Mr. O would blow most people's minds, but I'm sure it will get out sooner or later. For the sake of the world, my hope and prayer is that it will be sooner. Rather than look at a silly movie, look several levels past the surface. Peace.

(60)
Jacenty Domanski,
September 22, 2012 3:05 PM

The film

During World War II, when dictatorial madmen set out to conquer the world, the threat was so clear that no one had to analyze it or philosophize. Everyone knew that life and liberty was on the line, and they joined the cause – even journalists. As a pioneer of American media, Edward R. Murrow, said: "On some stories, there is no other side." - But today the USA try to going the same way. G-d forbid, how be the end of the country and their alies.

(59)
Dovid K,
September 21, 2012 2:24 PM

from where is that quote taken?

"jewish Hollywood pushing the Israel agenda". - I googled this quote from the article and did not find it.

(58)
Ray Diggs2,
September 21, 2012 12:01 AM

well said or as we say old school style: 'nuff said. That's enough said for the "proper" folks!

(57)
Murray Cohen,
September 20, 2012 11:04 PM

The President's Apology.

Was the incident so outragous that the President and Secretary of State had to apologize to the Muslims for an incident that was not of their doing? An attack on an embassy is the same as an attack on the country. President Obama should have demanded compensation from the Libyan Government for not protecting the U.S. embassy. I am sorry to say that the apology shows weakness on the part of the United States' President Obama to the world.

sick and tired,
September 23, 2012 4:08 AM

I agree with you totally. Although I think the video was made in bad taste, there are a lot of anti-American hatred videos floating around Persia yet we don't attack embassies or ambassadors. We have Freedom of Speech and our president along with Mrs. Clinton should not apologize to people who kill Americans over a video. This was a representation of how much those people truely hate the United States. Why are we still sending funding, which comes out of tax dollars, to people who hate us? Why would our government spend $70,000 to air an apology on the behalf of all Americans who believe in the Freedom of Speech rights granted to us by The Constitution of the United States. Foreign policy can only extend so far.

(56)
Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 9:23 PM

Almost no one has even seen the film.

I have yet to see one person say that they have seen the "movie" when asked by a reporter at any of these demonstrations. So many of these people live in places with no electricity and don't have the capabilities to watch such a film. Unfortunately our government will continue to apologize to these savages instead of forcefully defending our people and embassies. They see how weak our country has become which only makes them stronger.

(55)
Lady Liberty,
September 20, 2012 7:06 PM

Statement that bothers me

The only thing that really bothered me in this whole article was this.... "Radical Islam wants the West neutered and submissive."
I don't doubt that extremists can put a bad name on their people as a whole. But can anybody honestly say that Western society doesn't a teeny tiny bit deserve the backlash they receive? The US in particular has a nasty habit of going around to other countries (Israel included) and forcing them to conform to their idea of how things should be. In the name of Democracy they go to other countries and destroy their lands, culture, economy, thousand year old traditions, everything that made that country and people a rich and cultural gem to this planet. It gets flushed down by the bikini wearing, tv obsessed, low class, low moral western ideology and their so called god loving Christian religion.
I am not saying all Westerners are like this but it seems to be a typical Western (christian majority) thing to do. Then they go in and claim they are 'rebuilding', wasting billions of innocent American's money with nothing to show for it except the destruction of a people and their land. (ex. Iraq, what was rebuilt? its rubble and the people say it is worse than it was with Saddam now!)
Shame on the US... The extremists are not excused but how else do you protect your people and yourselves from such a vile disease as Western Christianity and their so called Democracy! Something that they don't even give their OWN people but try to shove down everyone else's throat, WAKE UP!

Anonymous,
September 23, 2012 12:34 AM

important distinction

I think you need to distinguish between American foreign policy and popular culture. Radical Islam is not responding to US's attempts to rescue others from their lifestyles. They have always hated any successful people who didn't practice Islam especially if they befriend Jews and Israel. The US has our problems, but our involvement in other nations comes from humanitarian concerns, the western assimilation is not forced on them.

(54)
Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 5:52 PM

double standards

So every one is demonizing the maker of the stupid film. I remember a few years back when Maplethorpe was the darling of the leftists for being courageous enough to make an exhibit of the crucifix in a bottle of urine and called it art. Also presented as art was a statue of the virgin Mary with excrement smeared on it. Museums across the USA exhibited his artwork. Christians who peacefully protested at exhibits were villified for trying to impose "censorship" and their "religious beliefs" on this country. My, how times have changed.

(53)
not Islamic,
September 20, 2012 2:47 PM

" HOME Israel Middle East The Libyan Film Riots The Libyan Film Riots If we take the wrong lesson, we're in serious trouble. by Rabbi Shraga Simmons This week, the world became a more dangerous place. Consider how one guy in

why can't the US administration see this?? or too many Americans

(52)
Meir Stone,
September 20, 2012 3:06 AM

Why did he insult Islam ?

Maybe it was the murder of Coptic Christians that made this man wish to insult Islam ...

Fran Perry,
September 20, 2012 1:36 PM

Insult Islam?

It doesn't matter what the man filmed, that was their excuse. There will always be an excuse....doesn't make it right.

(51)
Sara,
September 20, 2012 2:51 AM

Two thumbs up.

(50)
Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 1:43 AM

Take Sharia and...

This primitive inhumanity that debilitates and maims human life and the human body is a throw-back to a time when Freedom of choice was inconceivable. It was the Flight from Egypt (in my opinion), which truly established that a human being does have the FREEDOM to choose to follow G-d willingly, to fall, and to RISE UP again, to find redemption. Mutilating G-d's Creation and Creatures does not do much to Spiritual progression towards understanding.
In regards to Libya, it is so profoundly Painful to view upon such deep destruction, pain, defilement of Human life, and the agony of "non-conformists."
There Must be some modicum of hope in this mess, otherwise, it is too much to contemplate the aftermath of all this suffering.
I sincerely hope that this warring, and rage does not find its way in any meaningful manner, to Western Shores, it is so low.

(49)
Yaakov,
September 20, 2012 1:39 AM

I Don't Condemn Sam Bacile

It is a longstanding feature of American democracy to uphold every citizen's right of freedom of speech, no matter how stupid or imbecilic. Sam Bacile's video passes these tests with flying colors. It is another longstanding feature of American culture that, when the stupid, imbecilic speech is publicly derided, it only serves as a free publicity. Hence, an amateur video with barely any plot and even less acting, which would have otherwise gotten about 100 views, now has 10 million views and counting. Only in America! G-d bless the USA!

(48)
Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 1:10 AM

Two very dangerous precedents have yet to be overturned.

1. If Islam is insulted "infidels" will be physically attacked and some of us killed.
2. When American are attacked our response will be "proportionate" and delayed at best and tepid at worst.
We need to start sending the lesson that if you attack Americans who are supposedly guarded by US Marines, you will be repelled and killed by those Marines. Furthermore, the Marines will use more deadly weapons than you use. The bullets will not be made of rubber and the weapons will be whatever the Marines need to make sure the job gets done. And if you are foolish enough to stand with people who aim weapons at our people, you are not an innocent bystander. You are a participant who will suffer the same fate as the person with the weapon.
It would be nice to hear the President say something like that but I don't expect to hear it this year.
Some fanatics will learn to respect us and back off. Others will simply receive posthumous Darwin Awards.

(47)
Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 12:46 AM

Why must we "catagorically condemn" this film? Some of the rights guaranteed in our Constitution were based on the beliefs of great philosophers. If I remember my history correctly, it was Voltaire who said," I may disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it!" Last I checked, we are living in America, not under Sharia Law. Maybe murder and mayhem are sanctioned responses to free speech in their countries, but it certainly should not be excused here. And by the way, does anyone believe that all this destruction and killing are the result of this 14 minute trailer?

(46)
David,
September 19, 2012 11:46 PM

Right to the point!!!

Well said!!!

(45)
Joan,
September 19, 2012 11:08 PM

Thank you Gwen: My feelings exactly!

Remember that this isn't only about a stupid film that hardly anyone in the world even saw until the Muslim world itself made it as huge as it became.
Whether it's a cartoon... a book, an article.... anything that the Muslim world finds offensive, it becomes the excuse for a riot. And by the way those riots are generated by the Mullahs... they are not spontaneous reactions to something the people as individuals find offensive.
We're told to be "tolerant". It seems to me that tolerance is what those who engage in this medeival behaviour are not prepared to extend to others.
Further... they are killing Coptic Christians and burning churches in these countries... and ever since the time of Mohammed they have been saying the most vial things against the Jews. Do you hear a peep from anywhere in the free world?
Why do we have to refrain from offending the Muslims but they can say whaever they want about the people who believe in our value system?
If we allow our values to be compromised we will lose the freedoms that we cherish.

(44)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 11:05 PM

Libya

The Libyan issue is simply about diametrically opposed visions of life. We, the Jews celebrate life. We ask Hashem for another year, we mourn when a life is lost. Israel does its utmost to protect their people when trying to weed out the terrorists. They, the Islamic Jihadists, celebrate death. They rejoice in it; their own and the deaths of others. To die for their religion is to be a martyr. The video was yet again another excuse for them to stir their people into a frenzy, so that could rev up the masses to incite, kill and wreak havoc. Obviously, the world and the U.S. are desensitized, or this kind of behavior would not be tolerated.They will never stop, unless they are stopped. We have to believe that Hashem has a plan. Shana Tova

(43)
mgoldberg,
September 19, 2012 11:00 PM

but you are somewhat incorrect

It is not radical Islam... it is Islam that did this. And Muhammed was originator of that and those who are the shock troops of that are what are called radical Islamists. And the others? why they talk about how if we would just prevent blaspheming, and outlaw and punish it why we'd all get along. I for one, salute the 3000 of western history that allows for the dignity of human rights. And yes... that fill might be course, vulgar, might be unpleasant but it is that filmakers right to produce such without fear of jail time, or worse. And that was all an excuse you see... because all this rioting was planned months in advance and the libyans themselves said so. The film is and was an excuse to explain the march of Sharia which commands no critique, no criticism of Islam, Mohammed, Islam or anything since it's an 'insult'.
No... it was not radical islamists. It was Islam

(42)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 10:39 PM

He created a excuse for Ilamists to use for their terrorist actions

All this flm actually was was a excuse for the Muslim terrorists to take action against America and others, and they also used the 9/11 date for it.

(41)
stacey forehand,
September 19, 2012 10:32 PM

pinecreekranch@aol.com

I wonder about personal responsibility, free speech is only speech, I was taught sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me. This places the blame squarely on the shoulders of the violent. Don't like the film don't watch it, but if you see a movie you dislike or even hate you are not given the right to kill, maim or plunder,

(40)
imelda Pearce,
September 19, 2012 10:20 PM

our first amendments rights should not be curtailed by another country!

Americans have the first amendmenet right to freedom of speech. Do you have the right to yell "Fire" in a crowded theater? On the other hand, one cannot know the results of all one's actions. I am sick of people who jump ot the conclusion the Jews did it, whatever it is. On Yom Kippur, I will pray and meditate on the best thing I can do to deal with bigotry in the world.

(39)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 8:48 PM

We still have rights....

We still have a constitution in the US and no matter how ugly or reprehensible the remarks may be, we have the right under the constitution to say and express these things. When we as a society start to arrest people and demand that people are arrested for a video or a statement made then we as a society are on the downward spiral to censorship. As jews we see people every day call for the destruction of Israel, the death of the jewish people etc, does any other group act like these radical islamists? They intimate, threaten and only understand one thing, strength and determination to stand up to them, no matter what. They feed on weakness and the weaker our president makes the US look , the more we will see of these hideous acts against freedom.
If anyone believes that these terrorists attacked and killed our citizens over a 13 min video that was made by some obscure director and then somehow distributed to arab outlets all over the middle east with subtitles etc...then we as a country deserve what ever is coming to us....Leadership matters and dont every forget that in Nazi Germany, the society got used to rights being taken away, property being seized and even the Warsaw Ghetto was tolerated....we can never forget that we as a society must continue to protect the rights of even those people we disagree with most as that is the only way to insure our rights as a free people.

(38)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 8:11 PM

Islamic riots

The barbaric demonstraters were looking for an excuse to justify their behaviour. The film was used by the planners as an excuse to insite these animals to burn, destroy and kill non muslims and to stir up hate against the US. If not the film this time, they would have another excuse to demonstrate their hate.

(37)
Steve Skeete,
September 19, 2012 7:55 PM

Who is to blame?

"There is no question that we must categorically condemn this senseless film".
My question is why? Why can't I take my money and make a "senseless film" if I want to. I have seen the "senseless" film and there is nothing in it that you could not find on thousands of anti-Islamic websites, and countless blogs. The amount of material on the internet that shows Islam for what it is is endless. Is something senseless simply because it portrays some ideology in a negative light?
"Who is to blame for these tragic deaths? The answer: the murderers who carried them out. Those who blame the "senseless film", its producer, the internet or freedom of speech are just where Islam wants them - running scared and at the point of capitulation.

(36)
Eddy,
September 19, 2012 7:37 PM

Films or differences-in-opinion do not kill anyone

I agree with free speech rights. I disagree with people trying to tell other people what to film and what not to, after all, films do not kill anyone.
There is a new series called "the new normal" where they film man kissing man. I disagree completly with this type of scenes sent to the familys' TVs. But this does not mean that I have the right to go out and kill the first gay people that I watch on the streets... after all, I still have the power to switch channel, and the right to believe different from what they're showing on TV these days.
So, I don't think it would be fare to have the producer, nor anyone else involved in this film, been sent to trial nor jail. On the contrary, if muslim people is taking this film as an excuse to kill people, let's pay them back, let's tell the muslim killers that there is no excuse to take other people's lives. To make them clear that killing is not justified when people do not think (or believe) the way muslims do.

(35)
Rachel,
September 19, 2012 6:52 PM

Free speech trumps

We in America have the right to make jackasses out of ourselves, like this filmmaker did, without fear of imprisonment or death. If either one happens to this bozo, we run the risk of losing what is likely our most important freedom and the bad guys win.

(34)
Kim,
September 19, 2012 6:47 PM

The film is a red herring

I will stand with the right to free speech and condemn any act violence that is blamed on that protected freedom. Regardless of how repugnant the speech is to my personal values and sensibilities I believe they have the right to say it as protected by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Now onto the more salient point, WWW.honestreporting.com has completely debunked the myth that this poorly produced low budget film had little to no impact on the riots across the Islamic world. These were planned and coordinated for weeks fomented by imams across the globe who spread the word that the film was to blame -- but it is the same cycle that has been happening for 1400 years ... the Islamic world has perfected the art if professional victimhood, they will NEVER accept personal responsibility for their actions or their words and why do they do this? Quite simply because it works and the international community enables it through unending foreign aid if which the majority either goes to support terrorist activity by arms trading or the subsidy paid to the families of these so called martyrs which are to me homicidal maniacs fueled by a radical ideology which is committed to the utter destruction of all of Western Civilization and the annihilation of the Jewish nation...to pretend otherwise is to be as deluded as the mainstream media who slurped up the YouTube excuse faster than your Bubbie's chicken soup after a 25 hour fast.

(33)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 6:46 PM

Diversion

Diversion is a great method to make political advances. If you cause a distraction and play victim while you're doing worse, youve made sigifigant progress for your cause. And thats how muslims are winning the war. Free speech is free speech. Who cares what this film says, I've seen many Muslim signs calling for beheading!! Are Christians, Jews and Atheists retaliating? No. Stop catering to foreign laws that don't mesh with freedom and civility.

(32)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 6:38 PM

So called moderates

Time and time again I hear nice people differentiating between moderate and "extreme" Muslims. If the so called moderates aren't speaking out against the extreme Muslims, they aren't fighting against the problem. Therefore, condoning it. We already know terrorist funds are being funneled through some mosques & that sleeper cells are spread throughout the world. What exactly are we waiting for? And why isn't the world supporting Israel? Shame on everyone! We will get what we deserve for turning our backs on innocent people. God help us all.

(31)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 6:35 PM

Excellent perspective

Freedom is being threatened. "The frog needs to jump out of the pan" and fight back.

(30)
USA,
September 19, 2012 6:29 PM

Political correctness will kill everyone

I am horrified that the world is catering to shariah law in fear that they might be "racist" or somehow offending a so called "religion" while these large Muslim organizations are in our court systems bullying their way and changing our laws. When we give power to these violent bullies, we will all lose...picked off one at a time. Wake up!! If they are this violent now, it won't get better once they populate our countries.

(29)
victor,
September 19, 2012 6:25 PM

Achieving compliance

There's a simple way we can placate the muslims and prevent inciting this hateful rioting and destruction. Simply set up a government-sponsored review board, consisting of a majority of muslims. And set into law a mandatory review of everything targeted for the public prior to release: all fims and videos, all cartoons, all editorial matter, even speechmaking. The review board will have the power to deny public access of anything -- and everything -- that is not in harmony with any type of muslim beliefs or any type muslim agenda.
Or we can allow free speech -- and maintain our country's honor.

(28)
Carole,
September 19, 2012 6:24 PM

Bad films

No Jew runs to blow up a Muslim country's consulate or kill a non-Jew because of anti- Jewish films/cartoons/children's shows/magazine articles/books/posters/t-shirts.. list goes on..
And no one EVER apologizes or even recognizes the anti-Jewish sentiments , however made. That this violence is tolerated or even apologized for is the craziest thing! The world has gone crazy.

(27)
Chris,
September 19, 2012 6:23 PM

It's not all about freedom of speech

I agree that the violence is totally unacceptable, and the perpetrators of the violence should be brought to trial. However, it is also reasonable that makers of films spreading hatred should be brought to trial too - "freedom of speech" does not give carte blanche to spread hatred. After all, Holocaust denial is - rightly - a crime in most civilised countries. Neo-Nazis might also claim that their hateful bile is simply "freedom of speech" too, and they'd be wrong; so is the entire ethos behind this hateful film.

(26)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 6:06 PM

Movies are movies, violence is violence

One has nothing to do with the other. I agree with Gwen that we don't have to feel like we need to condemn the film. It was a thinly veiled excuse to commit murder and the muslims don't need much to get them going- they're always ready and waiting because it's in their nature. What set off 9/11? or Mumbai? or the hundreds of attacks perpetrated in Israel and throughout the world? Why condemn a movie? I actually thought it was pretty funny-and I think it was meant as joke- not serious film making. It's a shame that people are trying to draw a connection between this movie and the murders in Libya- it's not really fair to families of the victims to trivialize their deaths in this way. People need to clear away the nonsense being fed them by the media and look at the truth- the muslims are a murderous nation and it's not enough to walk on eggshells around them to prevent them from erupting. How often were/are Jews made fun of though the ages- (horns, stinginess, noses, etc) do we go on killing sprees each time?
By condemning the movie we are buying into the idea that Islam is beyond reproach- I couldn't disagree more!

(25)
david frankel,
September 19, 2012 5:49 PM

i just want to say about youre artical; its false the muslims didnt rioet because u tube but because of thier hatred to the west its people like you who are irresponible and idiots and liaers like you who are hidding the real truth about those muslims this whole riotnig was planned it didnt happend over night why dont face the facts about those muslims they hate every body including you tell the truth you moran

(24)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 5:47 PM

free speech isn't always right.

The Muslim uprising had nothing to do with the film. We know already that the Muslim Clergy were looking for something to insight the crowds. This is without doubt, an example of a modern day Kristallnacht. and we all should be very wary of what is going on.
Having said that, I still do not think that it is right, under the cloak of :free speech, to make fun of any religion. Hollywood needs to be held to a higher standard and be careful not to make fun of anyone. It's just plain common sense and old fashion "Derech Eretz!"

(23)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 5:01 PM

protect our freedoms

It was the late Senator Daniel Monyham, a good friend of Israel, who first said made the observation of the "bigotry of low expectations". We should credit the first-sayers just as we should remember our Constitution and its enumeration of God-given rights, among which are the "freedom of speech". While it is not polite to hate on another's religion, it makes no sense to remove what we consider a fundamental RIGHT of our land in a sort of deference to a small group for whom enough will never be enough because they are not Islamists , is what we have been told about Islam as a religion of peace is true. They are anarchists. They are anti-peace and anti-humanity. They have used the kindliness and freedom that has been extended to them to pervert young persons and destroy and kill. This film, which I have not and do not plan to see, was reputedly over-the-top. But other films, books, and essays that have been seriously written or satiric but well written have also been treated similarly. I fully agree with Anonymous #2

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Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 4:46 PM

Rabbi simmons, Stop blaming the Internet, or the director!

Why blame the "Internet"? Or The person who made this trailer movie? What is insane it's not the "Internet or the person who made the movie"; what insane are the people who still continue giving power to"lies" and "fear", by blaming the only person who had the guts to show the world what some religion will do. Also, how come it's "OK" to use the Movie as an excuse to kill innocent people, and act violent showing their own true selves??? Common, your focus should be on the truth, how good people like the US ambassador and three other Americans have been killed in an attack on an US consulate in Libya by angry protesters who use their violence as an excuse to kill over "a film that ridiculed Islam's Prophet Mohammed." Well, to me their action talks louder, and as far as I am concerned, "It's not the person who wrote the Movie trailer, or the director of the movie who needs to be in jail, it's these people who still use the Prophet Mohammed to kill and to take over. WAKE UP PEOPLE! STOP HELPING MURDERERS... AND LOCKING IN THE GOOD PEOPLE....

(21)
Judy in Atlanta,
September 19, 2012 4:38 PM

What the professor and evangelist don't realize

What the professor and evangelist don't realize is that their very words condemning the filmmaker are protected by the same law that allows him to make the film, regardless of it's idiocy and of who it insults.
They are equally ignorant, and also self-righteous.
They also don't realize that if the Muslims' plans reach fruition, their speech will result in cutting out their tongues, if not death.
Awake you sleepers from your slumber! Pray during theses High Holidays that the Almighty will avert the severe decree against His people Israel, and against the United States. Hope that HaShem will bring us the one true Moschiach that we may defeat the evil in the world, and return to Torah observance. If we do not, then we are doomed to repeat history, and "Never Again" shall be nothing but two meaningless words.

Carole,
September 20, 2012 11:22 PM

Jewlarious

Sorry but this comment reminds me of Edward G Robinson in The 10 Commandments saying "where's your god now????"
Wishing and hoping and praying are perhaps not enough in the real world..

(20)
Sima,
September 19, 2012 4:34 PM

Freedom of speech

A) Freedom of Speech is a Fundamental right of citizens of the United States of America.
B) People should not, however, be allowed to incite violence and hatred with that right. How that should be governed, I can't imagine. I wish human beings would be more "human" and not iuse the right to incite hatred and violence - EVER.
C) It seems that those Muslims who are looking for a reason to kill and terrorize will do it and be forgiven. That's what I see from the response of the President and a lot of people who speak up. Sorry state of affairs.

(19)
Gary Katz,
September 19, 2012 4:31 PM

Tit for tat

Perhaps 50,000 Jews should've demonstrated outside the Egyptian consulate when Egypt showed (in 2002, during Ramadan) the mini-series, "Horse Without a Horseman," which was the most avidly watched program in the history of Egypt. Anti-Semitism... Protocals of the Elders of Zion... they ate it up.

(18)
SactoMike,
September 19, 2012 4:22 PM

Where is the ACLU?

Many find time and energy to defend those who attack Jews and Christians, but take a pass when the going gets tough.

(17)
Rosen,
September 19, 2012 2:26 PM

upset over propaganda and documentaries

Amazing how crazy people will get over a certain film they don't like and want to riot. While these Muslims got upset and murdered people in US Embassies in Libya and Egypt, in retrospect, when it comes to the Jews, it's not like when Mel Gibson came out with his film "The Passion of the Christ" they/we were storming his house or church in seeking retribution or murder, much like how Jews don't physically attack or murder those who make anti-Israel propaganda films...All in all, when it comes to anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism, how can such people honestly believe that the Jews are at the root of it in order to justify their hatred and murderous rampages? Seems much like how a famous rabbi once said that "every generation they rise up against us."

(16)
rayla,
September 19, 2012 3:28 AM

rabbi simmons did it again!

Awesome article! And educational too!!

Brent,
September 19, 2012 5:44 PM

Wake Up Amreica!

Great article. How peaceful is that demonstration of islam...? We better watch out, articles condemning religious leanings in any way might soon become illegal. The islamic agenda sickens me!

(15)
ontario, canada,
September 18, 2012 12:33 AM

No sharia compliance

Funny they don't mind taking our infidel billions!!!

(14)
Rob,
September 16, 2012 12:17 PM

Freedom of Speech....

Even though we have freedom of speech in American, that is no reason to *purposely* go out and insult or make fun of a person or a religion. In response to some of the comments, I feel that we do need to be sensitive to other people's feelings, no matter how strongly we disagree with them. But though I say that, I am certainly not excusing what the Muslims are doing. I have seen the trailer and I agree with Rabbi Simmons - I do condemn this film.

Judy in Atlanta,
September 19, 2012 3:56 PM

Yes, the filmmaker is wrong

Rob,
I agree that the filmmaker is wrong. However, I disagree that he now must fear for his life because of a film, as much as I felt like the creators of "South Park" should not have had to be in fear of their lives for the parody they did a couple of years ago, or the cartoonist in Holland should been afraid for his life for drawing Mohammed with a bomb under his turban, or for Salman Rushdie being threatened for the book he wrote years ago. Being "sensitive to other people's feelings" is what has caused political correctness to make a person afraid to speak at all. For example, if I'm at work and a co-worker asks if I know someone in another department, if I say yes and then naturally fall into saying who they are and how I know them, I'm terrified that any word in the description could have the potential of being misinterpretted and taken as offensive, especially if only bits and pieces are overheard by others. My husband encountered a similar situation when he said someone is "a lady". He was criticized for using "lady" and told he can't use that word! Well, what is the politically correct word, I wonder. It used to be a compliment to be called a lady. And please consider that this bending over backwards doesn't apply to Jews and often not to Christians; hatespeak is allowed in those cases. As the article quotes, the "...Jewish Hollywood pushing hate..."
It's also ok to criticize Conservatives.
Jews are supposed to be careful in speech. A huge reference book explains the laws. It is very difficult to observe them as gossip isn't allowed, and even repeating what someone else said isn't allowed. (According to my understanding, at least.)
The bottom line, regarding the violent events going on in the world right now is that the film is an excuse, as the article says. Most of the people who are doing the violence never even saw it. This is a planned and calculated drive by people whose decision-makers wish to destroy, kill and take over the world.

jogo,
September 19, 2012 9:35 PM

What about them...

We should be sensitive to other people's feelings, no matter how strongly we disagree..well, they have no tolerance or sensitivity at all..they will kill you in a minute, they will cut off your head or an arm or leg in a heartbeat..and you want us to be accepting of their violent and hateful culture..you better wake up and know that if we accept this, we are finished..because they want the annihilation not only of Israel and all Jews, but of all cultures and religions that do not believe in Islam..they want the Infidels gone from the earth..now, what do you say..

(13)
Shira,
September 16, 2012 7:55 AM

They're shooting themselves in the foot

It would be funny if it wasn't tragic. One of the things that the movie claimed was that Islam is a religion of violence, and that anyone who speaks out against it will be harmed. As a protest to the movie, Muslims are going around committing acts of violence. Wow. That'll really show that Islam is a religion of peace!

Sara,
September 20, 2012 2:23 AM

You are so right .

(12)
Gwen,
September 15, 2012 8:07 PM

Everyone does NOT agree that this film should be condemnded

You are buying into the lie that Islamic violence erupting all over the world is being caused by an amateurish 12-minute video trailer. It's not. It is caused by Koranic-driven hatred of non-Muslims and incitement to violence by Islamic religious and political leaders. This is an ever-boiling pot, and video trailers, cartoons, teddy bears, piggy banks, and DQ ice cream swirls that appear similar to the name of Mohammed are just excuses. And lame excuses at that. If a man beats the crap out of his wife for not cleaning the house, are you going to exhort her to apologize more swiftly and clean better next time so as not to upset him? Because this is the same argument.
We have freedom of speech in this country, and this is fundamental. If someone want to make, in this country, a childish video that speaks derogatorily about any religion, i support his constitutional right to do so. So don't go assuming the politic mantle of righteous indignation and spout out that "everyone agrees that this film must be condemned in the strongest terms." I don't, and neither do many like me.
What should be condemned in the strongest possible terms is an ideology that calls for the slaying of infidels, and supports the murder of anyone who disagrees.
I'd also like to point out, that since polls taken throughout the world show that a significant percentage of Muslims throughout the world, including in Western countries, think terror is justifiable, that we are not dealing with some fringe group.
And the sooner we pull our heads out of the sand and look realistically at the situation, the better. People, please wake up.

Anthony Wheeler,
September 16, 2012 11:25 AM

No one could have said it better than you did.

You said it all. People seem to be so dense and forgetting history.

Auriel,
September 17, 2012 1:00 PM

Ditto!

You said it sister!

suri,
September 19, 2012 2:48 AM

So, the truth hurts

I did not see the film. I dont plan to. I already know the violence that the Koran encourages. We've been seeing it for years. The response to the truth of this film is just same story different day. The only ones responsible for the violence are the Islamic murderers.
They will get their day in court. Everyone does. It will be a court of truth and justice. And all the world will see that only G-d is in charge. Let it be speedily in our days.

Anonymous,
September 19, 2012 4:10 PM

Right on!!

I couldn't agree with you more. You have hit the nail on the head. They don't need an excuse to kill and go on a rampage. If one is handed to them, they use it to their advantage. The West has to stand up to these murderers or we will all be doomed.

faithann,
September 19, 2012 5:06 PM

YOU are right

Boy do I agree w/what you've said. I sure don't "agree" with the author. You have stated the case correctly and it's hard to believe others don't see it that way.

Michael Fox,
September 19, 2012 5:53 PM

Gwen is a voice of reason in a vast forest of apologetic fear and ignorance. Islam is a corrupted cult built on violence encouraged in the koran. It was brought to the world in the blood stained hands of a mass murderer.

Tony Morisause,
September 19, 2012 7:44 PM

Pure excuse

I say it is again another excuse to advance their Koranic will. Islam will not destroy the spirit of truth and righteousness. No way!

Steve Skeete,
September 19, 2012 7:59 PM

Islam just an excuse

Gwen, I agree with you 100%. All this bowing and scraping and kowtowing to Islam has got to stop It is time we saw this religion for the excuse to cause chaos and mayhem that it is.

Dafna,
September 19, 2012 8:53 PM

Well said!!

Gwen, I don't know you, but I'd like to thank you for saying so well what so many feel. We need more voices like yours!

Kely,
September 20, 2012 12:14 AM

Has anybody read the Kora???

I agree with u 100%,, I have read it, and tells about Muhamad as having many wife's and he being violent, inciting to kill anybody who wouldn't accept their faith...I don't understand whats the big deal,? the big deal Is kiling innocent people that haven't done any wrong ...

James Salomon,
September 20, 2012 1:43 AM

Don't blame a whole religion for the actions of a few.

When I was a kid I belonged to a Boy Scout troop sponsored by the Holy Name Society of Saint Joseph's Church in Hewlett. Almost all of the boys attended the Catholic school which was run by the Church. After one of the Scout meetings one of the boys attacked me as a "Christ killing Jew". As a result of his attack I nearly lost an eye. I've never quite figured out what was going on inside this kid's head. As an adult I've experienced anti antisemitism from Christians time to time. I learned a long time ago the hatred isn't indicative of Christianity. Hatred comes from fear of the unknown and anger from feelings of powerlessness. For generations the Muslims in these communities were taught that all of the bad things that happened in their lives were the fault of the Jews and western nations. Almost all of this misinformation was spread by leaders intent on exploitation of their own people. The Assad regime in Syria and the late General Gaddafi of Libya are perfect examples. This is not to excuse the behavior of the mobs. It is only to point out that Islam and other religions are not responsible for the violent actions of people in the community. The people responsible are those that use the cloak of religion as a tool of exploitation.

Gwen,
September 21, 2012 3:47 AM

The people responsible for violence are those who commit it

When an ideology is covered by the cloak of religion, people are loathe to hold it responsible for anything, even when it should be. In India there used to be a religion in which the goddess Kali was worshiped. As part of their practice, adherents would ecstatically and slowly strangle people to death. It was part of the religion, part of the culture, but not everyone took part in the killings...it was always a minority. But nonetheless a real drag if it was your throat on which the cord was being tightened. And yes, the murderers were born into families that taught them to kill, led by religious leaders who taught them to kill. But when someone is being slowly strangled to death, I blame the person with the rope.
Islam is not a peaceful ideology. Read the Koran and see for yourself. The values enumerated in the Koran are always going to be in conflict with the democratic values of the civilized world. I wish it were not so, but I am not going to deny the truth. When the jjihadist gunman in France grabbed that terrified 7 year old girl in France by the hair and put a bullet in her brain, he was acting on behalf of a toxic ideology that no interfaith seminar is going to fix.
It doesn't matter that the Islamists in France who act violently are still a minority. In WWII, the vast majority of German people were peaceful people, who just wanted to live their lives and raise their families. Most were not members of the Nazi party, and only a small minority of those were members of the SS. Despite this, 17 million people died in WWII, including our 6 million, and including one million of our children. When people tell me that the majority of Muslims are peaceful, I think of our million children vanished from the world. The majority of their neighbors were peaceful people. It doesn't require a majority to bring disaster upon the world. A committed minority, in thrall to an evil ideology, will suffice.

Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 1:50 AM

Agree with Gwen

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 2:27 AM

You are right .But the sad part is they dont want to wake up .

Bill,
September 20, 2012 2:48 AM

I couldn't agree more.

Francis,
September 20, 2012 5:01 AM

Great, but...

Great comment! To the point, really. Except that we ALL need to tone down our level of 'violence' in all we do or say. Including the film-maker here. Freedom of speech is what the Constitution grants us, but LOVE (meaning a respectful approach to people, not necessarily submitting to their ideas) is what is needed all the time. We must react against radical Islam, but we must also work within our own house to keep it clean.

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Stephane luako Lombo,
September 15, 2012 5:45 PM

Anti U.S riot

I believe in the freedom of speach. I found anti-US to be rather excessive It is like some agitors are fueling that anger.Very IMPORTANT: that film was not made by an elected U.S official or any United States government representives or agencies.
This unleash of hatred for the US is teased by some in that region and should throughly investigated.
Mr.Stephane luako Lombo
DRCONGO

(10)
Larry,
September 15, 2012 3:43 PM

I respectfully disagree

This is about 9-11 anniversary date. This is about their hatred for Jewish people. This is about Osama bin laden. Google is blocking those countries from seeing the film.

(9)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2012 1:28 AM

well done

clear and to the point

(8)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2012 1:09 AM

The Film Should Not Be Condemned

Good article except that you too are kowtowing to Islam by calling the video "outrageous" and saying "everyone agrees the film must be condemned". Did you see the film? The clips I saw on You Tube were based on fact. One part shows where Mohammed called for the beheading of a Jewish man. Are you saying Mohammed never beheaded a Jew? The film then shows him taking the man's daughter as his wife and having relations with her. Are you saying Mohammed never did this? Yes, the film makes fun of this by having his other wives get jealous and chase him around with a shoe but why should we be afraid to make fun of a man who beheaded Jews and took a young Jewish orphan (caused by him) as a wife? In another scene Mohammed holds up a sword covered with blood and calls for a Jihad against the "infidels". Do you doubt that he did this? The Koran has many passages where he calls for beheading and cutting off the limbs of "infidels" and for Jihad. Allowing ourselves to be cowered by Islamic dictates will only empower fundamentalist Muslims to continue to push. Clearly this is how Islam grew in the past and sadly so many people in the West are allowing its influence to grow once again. The movie maker had every right to make this movie and no one has the right to stop any artist from expressing himself. Once we allow censorship of art where does it end? Rather there should be more movies, more cartoons, like the way the Danes all put on Jewish armbands when Hitler said he wanted all Jews identified, we should all put on armbands with the face of Mohammed. They can't kill all of us! So let's stand up for our values and protect with all our might the rights of all people, Jew and gentile alike, to be free of Muslim intimidation and the pressures to follow Sharia dictates even in countries where few Muslims exist. Let's praise the film maker for his bravery if nothing else and let's praise him for exposing in film some of the despicable acts Mohammed actually performed in the Koran.

Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 2:33 AM

I agree with you one hundred percent .

(7)
Alan S.,
September 14, 2012 11:35 PM

Excellent commentary. What is truly sad is that it has to be written. What is up is down, what is obvious is hidden, what is perverse is normal. All at the hand of Hashem.

(6)
Nat Sadownik,
September 14, 2012 9:59 PM

Free speech is protected and guarded in a free society not violence and murder

I may disagree with the film though I have not viewed it, but unless it calls for violence, it is not to be condemned. What needs to be condemned is violence and murder. I don't understand this double standard.

(5)
John Smith,
September 14, 2012 6:46 PM

Yes
You have learned the wrong lesson
You are going after the film (which was aired months ago with no reaction and thus is not the cause) instead of the root cause which is Islam (the Arab version of Nazism)
The bottom line is that, like Kristallnacht and the Second Intifada, these attacks were planned in advance and a flimsy pretext was found to justify it.
Of course, useful idiots will always fall for such lame excuses, but Jews should know better

Anonymous,
September 20, 2012 2:37 AM

John you are right Jews should know better.Sadly most Jews in the USA dont want to know.

(4)
Rachel,
September 14, 2012 6:42 PM

"Jewish Hollywood" quote in your column

Please provide a citation for the quote. I first heard that a man claiming to be an Israeli Jew was responsible for the film (including on IBA News broadcast in the US.) That was quickly debunked and it turns out he's an Egyptian Coptic Christian.
Of course, all of this is secondary to your very valid point -- the 1st Amendment protects controversial speech, even controversial speech that is disgusting. And those who want an excuse to kill can find it in "Batman" movies, as we learned in Colorado this summer.

(3)
Moses,
September 14, 2012 5:33 PM

Film Not The Cause

There is good evidence (arms, coordinated movements) that the Libyan attack was a planned operation, and not a mob reaction to the youtube video. The fact that it was around 9/11 supports this also.

(2)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2012 3:45 PM

I Am Disgusted

How many videos are there on youtube and elsewhere that attempt to offend other religions? I can recall a handful of videos that say the Talmud is the work of Satan and other horrible notions. Remember that NYC exhibit with Mary being covered in elephant dung? I don't recall any violent attacks or killings committed in retribution for these acts of insensitivity. Yet one idiot makes a film and ignites a storm of violence around the Muslim world. The worst thing is that the media is apologizing for it. They are delving into the "shady" past of the filmmaker. That shouldn't even be relevant. We live in America where it is a constitutional right to share our opinions and ideas, no matter how ludicrous or offensive they are.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!